GOLD COAST: The national badminton squad got off to a flying start, when they thrashed minnows Ghana 5-0 in the group stages of the mixed team event at the Commonwealth Games here at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre.
Men's doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, opened the flood gates when they saw off Abraham Ayittey-Michael Baah 21-8, 21-11, before women's singles Soniia Cheah made it 2-0 with a 21-3, 21-5 win over Stella Amasah.
Former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei, then made easy work of Daniel Sam with a 21-2, 21-7 win to make it 3-0.
Malaysia's scratch women's duo Vivian Hoo-Chow Mei Kuan, barely broke a sweat, when they thumped Grace Atipaka-Eyram Migbodzi 21-2, 21-3.
Rio Olympic Games silver medallists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, then secured the win for Malaysia with a 21-7, 21-6 win over Emmanuel Donkor-Gigty Mensah.
Liu Ying, admitted that the first tie was more of a warm up for the team ahead of tougher challenge in the competition.
"Ghana is not a strong team, so we made full use of the tie, to get used to the condition on court," said Liu Ying.
"Hopefully, we get to put up a much better performance in our next tie."
Peng Soon, on the other hand, believes that all players are ready to give their best.
Apart from Peng Soon-Liu Ying, Malaysia also have the option of playing Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie in the mixed doubles.
"It doesn't matter who takes to court in the next tie, we will all give our best while supporting each other, including following our coaches' instructions," said Peng Soon.
Malaysia, will play Seychelles next before taking on Canada tomorrow (Friday).